J1/V1 v. EPL1

I am considering get a refurbished J1, V1, or EPL1 as a replacement for my compact camera which is on its last legs.  While I have a DLSR (D7000) for when I want serious performance, I do have some wants in my compact(ish) camera setup:

1) Reasonably low cost - this is a backup/travel camera. If it gets dropped, wet, stolen, or lost, I don't want to have lost the farm;

2) I want it to be small enough to throw in my briefcase 24/7 and during business trips.  In the next  3 months, I have short trips to Chicago, SF, and NYC.  Carrying my DLSR isn't reasonable.

3) Since it is a travel camera, I do want some flexibility in zoom range. I cannot tell what is a good range for lenses this size.

4) Finally, I will be shooting a lot of pictures of my little girl and stuff that happens.  Because kids never sit still, I want something that shoots immediately when I hit the shutter.  Fast operation is very important.  I never have a problem with my DLSR, but the compact misses a lot of shots.

Flash: The EPL1 and J1 are available with kit lenses at a reasonable price and have a built in flash.  The V1's extra controls are nice, but I am not sure I want to buy (and carry) the special flash when I travel.

People with experience, please help.